Brown pelican

In search of dead birds; yes dead birds

In Honors 100, during a facilitated peer interview exercise, my partner did research on my interests and recommended I explore COASST! Thank you Honors 100.

COASST is a citizen scientist organization based in the Aquatic and Fishery Sciences department. This organization supports hundreds of volunteers who monitor Pacific Northwest beaches in search for dead seabirds; yes dead birds. These data are important in establishing a baseline for reference in case a large natural or human induced catastrophe occurs and as an indicator of general breeding conditions.I was both an intern and a volunteer for COASST completing 2 credits in WINTER 2013 and surveying a beach in Tacoma with my close friend Allison. As an intern I learned how to manage a large data base, collect data, and train volunteers on protocol.

This was also a good opportunity to meet like minded bird students. One trip we took with the interns was to the gun range!